Morphologic changes of cortical nephron cells in potassium-adapted rats
Pfaller, W.; Fischer, W.M.; Strieder, N.; Wurnig, H.; Deetjen, P.
Laboratory Investigation; A Journal of Technical Methods and Pathology 31(6): 678-684
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6837 PMID: 4437140 Document Number: 76390
K tolerance was established in rats by giving them a diet with K+ 2 m-equiv/g and a solution with KCl 0.1 mol/litre to drink for 6 weeks. Cortical nephron cells were then studied by light and electron microscopy and compared with cells from rats on a normal diet. There was an increase of about 200% in the density of cristae mitochondriales in proximal and distal tubules. Almost the same effect was produced in rats given aldosterone 7.5 mu g/100 g bodyweight subcutaneously for 7 days instead of the diet enriched with K+.